MAKINO Kumiko
MAKINO Kumiko
Previous research
My main research interest is contemporary South African politics. In particular, I am interested in the role of civil society organizations and social movements in shaping public policies related to the fundamental human rights guaranteed by the post-apartheid constitution. In the policy fields of social security, labor, health, disability, and immigration, I have been focusing on how non-governmental organizations and other concerned groups have interacted with governments, political parties, experts, local residents, and the international community, as well as what kinds of advocacy activities they have undertaken. I have also studied the anti-apartheid movement in Japan, which was part of the anti-apartheid international solidarity movement that pushed for democratization in South Africa.
Current research projects
I am currently engaged in the following research projects:
- Contemporary South African political history through the lens of the concept of "critical junctures"
- South Africa’s foreign policy as part of the Global South
- Publishing, translation, and circulation in transnational anti-apartheid movements
- Elderly policy and the challenges of healthy and active ageing in South Africa
Membership of academic societies
Japan Association for African Studies, Japan Association of International Relations, Japan Association for Comparative Politics, Japan Society for International Development, South African Association of Political Studies